6 amazing training routes from Ryan Sandes

2 Oktober 2015

SuuntoRun

6 amazing training routes from Ryan Sandes

2 Oktober 2015

Ultra runner Ryan Sandes has traveled the world to run some of its sweetest single trail. Consider him, then, your go-to trail aficionado! Check out below the six trail running routes he picks as the cream of the crop!

Coming from Cape Town, South Africa, ultra runner and Suunto ambassador Ryan Sandes is at home running on coastal trails by the ocean.

But while his roots are in Cape Town's surf beaches and the trails above in its mountains, over time he has found more and more inspiration in alpine environments. This year, for example, he's been training in mountains in Californina and the French Alps.

Below, he shares his six favorite running routes from South Africa and the United States. Click through to the Movescount page for each trail running route to get a closer look at where it is and Ryan's stats from running it.

San Fran 50 miler, San Fransico, USA

Distance: 78.78 km Time: 06h45m Ascent: 3125 m Decent: 3137 m Highest point: 554 m The route:Movescount page hereWhy: The Marin Headland is really spectacular and the coastal running makes me feel like I am back at home in South Africa. The trails are really fast and runnable. The Headlands are always abuzz with runners, mountain bikers and dog walkers making for a great friendly atmosphere. There are some great coffee shops right next to the trail which is an added bonus. The Movescount route above is from the San Fran 50 miler which I really hope to run again!

Big Bear Mountain, California, USA

Distance: 52.14 km Time: 04h35m Ascent: 1104 m Decent: 1091 m Highest point: 2394 m The route:Movescount page hereWhy: I spent six weeks in Big Bear earlier this year training for the Western States 100 miler. I really enjoyed my time there and developed a special bond with the mountains. The scenery is epic and there is a great variation of trails from open fire roads to really technical single track. This Move was one of my final long runs I did in preparation for the Western States.

Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, USA

Distance: 17.76 kmTime: 02h09m Ascent: 1008 m Decent: 1031 m Highest point: 2195 m The route:Movescount page hereWhy: The Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places I have been to. Ha! I get itchy feet everytime I get to the National Park and just can't stop running. The run up to Glacier Point is a nice gradual climb and the views from the top are absolutely breath taking. This is the perfect recovery run to take it easy and enjoy the scenery.

Skyrun Route, Drakensberg, South Africa

Distance: 96.05 km Time: 12h36m Ascent: 4760 m Decent: 4579 m Highest point: 2674 m The route:Movescount page hereWhy: The Skyrun is a 100 km self-navigational run across the Drakensberg Mountains. There are no proper trails to follow and you basically aim for the peaks and ridgelines ahead of you. It is a really remote area, at altitude and is the perfect place for me to train for big mountain races. Running in the Drakensberg Mountains makes me feel really small and it can be super humbling.

Lion's Head, Table Mountain, South Africa

Distance: 04.05 km Time: 0h29m Ascent: 370 m Decent: 372 m Highest point: 654 m The route:Movescount page hereWhy: Lion's Head is an iconic mountain right next to Cape Town's city centre, with panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain from the top. The trail starts off on an open fire road but as you climb up the mountain the trail gets more technical with ladders and chains towards the top. This is one of my shortest training sessions but I enjoy pushing myself on this run. It’s a real lung buster!

Table Mountain Crossing, South Africa

Distance: 15.08 km Time: 02h02m Ascent: 1070 m Decent: 949 m Highest point: 1045 m The route:Movescount page hereWhy: Table Mountain is an extension of my back garden and my favorite mountain to train on. I love being able to see the ocean from the summit and I feel really at home on this mountain. The Table Mountain Crossing trail is very technical with lots of scrambling and you have to keep an eye out for giant snakes in summer. The mountains inspire me to dream but the ocean is were my roots are.